Pagliacci is one of those fabulous mini-operas which remains accessible to a much wider audience than grand opera usually captivates, and this fairly primitive version (with colour sequences) stars the great tenor Richard Tauber as Canio.
Yes, Enrico Caruso made the definitive historical recording of this but Tauber does extremely well in the part. His reading of the part is memorable, tragic, and powerful, and for once his often over-the-top personality doesn't overwhelm the film. He may be singing at the very limit of his capability but he was such a good singer it works within this adaptation.
It isn't often that this movie is shown but if it comes to a television set or a big screen near you, make sure you catch it.
Yes, Enrico Caruso made the definitive historical recording of this but Tauber does extremely well in the part. His reading of the part is memorable, tragic, and powerful, and for once his often over-the-top personality doesn't overwhelm the film. He may be singing at the very limit of his capability but he was such a good singer it works within this adaptation.
It isn't often that this movie is shown but if it comes to a television set or a big screen near you, make sure you catch it.